I respectively submit to c_b that the treatmet of the chickpea in the preparation of falafel is not so different than in the preparation of hummus. In fact, the chickpea is left more intact (coarser and heavier) in falafel than in the lighter-than-air, lemony, pureed hummus.

Falafel is a chickpea-based, meatless meatball. Spiced to perfection, it is fried, then lovingly placed in a half-moon shaped piece of "pita bread" and topped with a mouth-watering dressing of garlic/cucumber/spices infused yoghurt. Mmmmm.

Falafel sounds like it may qualify on the "fried" side of things, but I'm still unconvinced about the "goodness" factor, particularly since I don't care for pepper. I'll investigate and get back to you.

P.S. Funnel cakes are right up there with bacon. Heaven forbid I ever have to choose.